Bangladesh has called upon Pakistan to issue a formal apology for the atrocities committed during the 1971 War of Liberation, while also seeking the resolution of long-pending financial and humanitarian matters.
The demand was raised during the Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) held at the State Guest House, Padma, in Dhaka on Thursday. The talks were led by Bangladesh’s Foreign Secretary Md Jashim Uddin and Pakistan’s Foreign Secretary Amna Baloch.
According to reports, the Bangladesh delegation cited the 'importance' of an official apology from Pakistan for the genocide and atrocities carried out by the Pakistani military during Operation Searchlight in 1971, which led to the deaths of approximately 30 lakh Bengalis and the rape of over a million women.
“These issues need to be resolved for having a solid foundation of our relations,” Md Jashim Uddin said.
Bangladesh gained independence in 1971 following a brutal nine-month war. The events leading to the liberation were marked by widespread violence and repression by the Pakistani army, which has since remained a major point of contention in bilateral ties.
Apart from the apology, Dhaka has also flagged a financial claim of $4.32 billion from Islamabad. The amount reportedly includes Bangladesh’s share of the undivided Pakistan’s pre-1971 assets such as aid money, provident funds, and savings instruments.
In particular, Bangladesh has raised concern over the non-transfer of $200 million in foreign aid that was pledged to victims of the 1970 Bhola cyclone, which remains the deadliest tropical cyclone in recorded history, having claimed up to five lakh lives in the then East Pakistan.
Additionally, Dhaka reiterated its demand for the repatriation of over three lakh stranded Pakistanis who have been residing in relief camps in Bangladesh for decades.
Amna Baloch, who also held separate meetings with Bangladesh Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus and Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain, emphasised the need for constructive engagement.
“We have huge intra-regional markets on our own right. We should use it,” said Baloch. “We can’t miss the bus every time.”
The Pakistani delegation conveyed Islamabad’s intent to improve bilateral ties, with Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar scheduled to visit Bangladesh from April 27 to 28. The proposed launch of direct flights between the two countries was also discussed.
Despite diplomatic niceties, tensions stemming from the unresolved legacy of 1971 continue to cast a long shadow over Bangladesh-Pakistan relations.
Bangladesh has consistently maintained that a formal acknowledgement and apology are prerequisites for genuine reconciliation.
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